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Forklift License in Massachusetts

The Massachusetts Department of Public Safety (DPS) issued regulation 520 CMR 6.00 ordering, in addition to OSHA standard that no individual can operate a forklift without a license or temporary permit.

The new DPS regulation includes two new licenses classes: Class 1D (general industrial warehouse forklift license); and Class 2D (compact hoisting machinery license). Class 2D operator who holds a license with a Class 1 grade greater than 1D is allowed to drive general industrial warehouse forklift.

Before you can continue reading this guide, CHECK these helpful articles that help you get hold of your forklift certification:

Getting Forklift License in Massachusetts

Aside from the DPS regulation, the employer must adhere to OSHA standards.

All forklift operators must be trained by their employers or evaluated by an approved trainer. If you’re in the construction industry you must comply with OSHA 1926.602(d), shipyards operators cohere with OSHA 1915.120(l) and for those in general industry is OSHA 1910.178(l) standard to follow.

A new operator may find it difficult where to start and what they need to get their forklift certification, we have arranged this instruction for you to follow to make it easy as possible for you.

Understand What Specific Training You Need

Training must specific to the machine you’re operating. Now, if you want to get certified you need to enroll in the training related to the machine you are driving.

Know the Forklift Training Requirement

You must comply the documentary requirements and prerequisites before you can get accepted into the course. We have readied the general requirement below. Please check with training centers for additional, if they need.

Get Enrolled in the Training Course

We have prepared a list of training schools in Massachusetts that provide meet or exceed OSHA standards, see below.

The Forklift Training is Consist of Three Parts:

The formal or classroom instruction – This is the theory part where trainees are given lectures, power point presentation, videos, discussions.

The second part is the course is the hands-on forklift demonstration. The trainer will give sets of tasks to follow. The trainees must finish each task.

The final is the test and evaluation. The trainees will have to take the test and undergo trainer’s evaluation.

Getting Certified

If you’ve passed the test and evaluation, the trainer will hand over your forklift license and certificate of training. The license expires after three years. The renewal is the same taking the training, recertification is needed for its renewal.

Forklift Training Requirements for new operator

Hiring an individual under the age of 18 is against the federal law, likewise, an individual who’s over 18 who’s unlicensed or untrained is also a violation.

An individual must attain high school or possessed GED certificate.

An individual who’s a foreigner must understand and can communicate in English.

No history of drug abuse

Clean background

Other Forklift Licensing Options

Because of the proliferation of online training course, employers are now deciding to acquire this option. Online training has the benefits of on-site training. Operators will be given the specific program based on their need and skill level. They will be certified on topics in accordance with OSHA standards.

Employers can hire safety consultants to conduct the training on-site. This option is the least disruptive to their business production. This option is the most effective way of training because the trainer can offer a course based on the working condition they’re in and types of machines they’re operating. If you want to work in Rhode Island, the neighboring state, you can follow this link.

When to Get Recertification or Renewal

Three years is the validity of the forklift license, the holder must renew it according to OSHA regulations.

Renewal or recertification occurs when operator shifted to another employer. It’s the responsibility of the new employer to provide you the needed training. The training is workplace and machine specific.

You have been involved in an accident or noticed operating the machine is very unsafe manner. The trainer’s role is to make you realize your mistake. The operation of forklift is no joke, lives are at stake. You can harm yourself or jeopardize others.

Forklift Operator Salary in MA

According to Salary.com's latest January 02, 2018 report, here are the cities and towns of Massachusetts that offer high wages for forklift operators: